Lils Preggo Talk

This week, the little one is not so little anymore. At least, if I have to believe my app, he is as big as a winter pumpkin. Yes, that orange lump that we mass-produce with faces for Halloween. Those are big. And heavy. Well, my belly is starting to feel more and more like that, so I guess it’s true. Suddenly, I catch myself in an awkward position on my side when I have to go to the bathroom at night, the postman (who I definitely had standing at my door for three days last week) suddenly offers super sweetly to lift the packages over the threshold instead of leaving them at the door, and Nola has evolved into a bodyguard, correcting people all day long who, in her opinion, come too close to my aura. Anyway, the third trimester. I was already ’warned‘ about it: you will feel different, and that is totally okay with me. In fact, I’m looking forward to it. Let that little one grow nicely, the sooner we can meet him. Furthermore, I’m not an impatient type at all, haha.

This week, I’m taking you along with my Preggo Talk. I had blood drawn regarding my rhesus factor (and that’s quite a thing with a fear of needles), I’m diving into the wonderful world of dogs that can be pseudo-pregnant, and a number of items for the baby arrived that I really want to share with you again.

Well, that wasn’t so bad after all?
Or what do you think of: but what exactly are you so afraid of? I don’t know, lady from the blood draw center. I’m just really scared, and it always turns out to be not so bad afterward, and now I’m sitting here crying again. Just the word ‘blood draw center’ gives me the creeps. And although I had to be pricked quite often last year and even lay under anesthesia in an operating room, it doesn’t make my fear of hospitals, needles, and even a freaking blood pressure monitor any less. Call it belonephobia, aichmophobia, or attention-seeking, but believe me: I would have liked it to be different myself. Especially during my pregnancy, I sometimes feel a bit frustrated with myself at moments like this. Because what must people think of me? I’m becoming a mother, I have to give birth, and I’m already fainting at the sight of an empty blood vial. And then, of course, I’m also rhesus negative. Which, by the way, is nothing scary or bad, luckily, so no fuss about that. But to summarize very briefly: there is a chance that with my negative blood type, I can produce antibodies against my baby’s positive blood type. This needs to be monitored very closely so that the little one can’t have any issues with it. So of course, I’m going to dutifully go for blood draws, just like for the NIPT test and the voluntary whooping cough vaccination.

And now there was a sweet nurse this week with her words. ‘What do people think of you, girl? Well, at least not that you’re a drama queen of a mother. You’re already putting your child first to face one of your biggest fears. Everyone can sit a bit tougher in the waiting room, but the toughest in this whole place is you at this moment, despite those tears on your big belly. You should see me in a bath full of spiders.’ Isn’t that the sweetest? And you understand: I didn’t repeat this sentence for myself but for everyone who sometimes feels exactly like that. You should be proud of yourself! Then I’ll try to do that too, I promise.

First aid for Nola
Nola and I have always been besties. She is my dog baby and okay, maybe I’ve spoiled her a bit too much in the six years she’s been with us, but I just love that sweet creature so much that I couldn’t help it. But okay, she’s a dog, a dog, a dog. And you have to treat her like a dog, with dog rules and such. Yes, I’m a bit late with that.

At first, I thought it was due to the whole corona situation, as Nola suddenly became much more clingy during home isolation. But hey, it’s also just nice that we are suddenly home every day and diving into the woods with her much more often, right? Well, I’m starting to notice that it’s really about me and the baby bump. She prefers to lie on me, follows me all day, sleeps in the nursery under the crib, and walks outside as close to me as possible. Really, nothing compares to a bodyguard. Super sweet, of course. But then… Then she corrected my dad who wanted to say goodbye to me, she snapped at my brother, and my boyfriend’s dad can’t come near me anymore. HELP. I don’t know what to do? She is the sweetest with me, but a witch towards others. I read jealousy, pseudo-pregnancy, protection, a false dog, or is it just love? And should I reward her? Punish? Ignore? Involve more? Give the baby its first diaper? A hug? A chew toy? If you recognize this or have a great tip for me, email me at lilian@amayzine.com or send me a DM on Instagram @lilianbrijl. We are of course very grateful to you for that.

So, now on to my latest acquisitions for the baby. For a few days now, there has been an incredibly beautiful Tripp Trapp from Stokke with a newborn set shining at my dining table, of which you definitely want to see the two newest colors from the collection, in case you’re still looking for the perfect chair for your little one. Warm red & soft mint it is. Inspired by fresh green leaves and soft moss, a sunny sky, and the ladybug. Seriously, doesn’t that immediately give you choice stress? Or what do you think of a velvet Miffy? You’ve never seen it so beautiful, a ribbed velvet ByKay baby carrier, a very cute Baby Changing Basket from Petite Filippa, and the coolest denim jumpsuit that the baby bump fits into easily. Yes, go ahead and shop.

1. Tripp Trapp chair black beech wood, €199,- Stokke 
2. Tripp Trapp Newborn Set, €99,- Stokke
3. Baby carrier click carrier classic – ribbed velvet mustard brown, €119,95 ByKay 
4. Baby ‘Bonjour’ sweater, €33,- Maboo Kids
5. Baby Changing Basket – no. 11, €99,95 Petite Filippa
6. Denim jumpsuit, €59,95 Zara Mum
7. Velvet Miffy plush toy, €17,99 Nijntje